Baking Potatoes on a Camping Grill

Baking potatoes on a camping grill is one of the easiest ways to make a filling, budget-friendly side dish while you are cooking outdoors. Potatoes travel well, do not spoil quickly, and can be seasoned, wrapped in foil, and cooked right on the grill while the rest of dinner comes together.

Camping meals do not need to be complicated. When you are busy hiking, exploring, fishing, hunting, setting up camp, or trying to keep everyone fed before the sun goes down, simple food wins. That is why grilled baked potatoes are such a smart camping side dish. They are hearty, easy to prep, easy to cook, and easy to customize with whatever toppings you packed in the cooler.

If you are planning a cookout, camping trip, backyard BBQ, or easy summer dinner, this guide will show you how to bake potatoes on a camping grill using foil, oil, simple seasonings, and a little patience. Serve them with burgers, grilled chicken, steak, hot dogs, BBQ, chili, beans, or your favorite campfire dinner.

For more outdoor meal inspiration, you may also like this camping grill idea and this family-friendly reminder that camping is a fun experience.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Baked Potatoes

• They are easy camping food. Potatoes are simple to pack, prep, cook, and serve.
• They are filling. A baked potato can turn a simple grilled meal into a satisfying dinner.
• They travel well. Potatoes do not require refrigeration before cooking, making them ideal for camping.
• They are budget-friendly. A bag of potatoes can feed a crowd without stretching the grocery bill.
• They are customizable. Add butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, chili, herbs, BBQ toppings, or vegetables.
• They work with almost any main dish. Serve them with burgers, steak, chicken, ribs, hot dogs, pork, beans, or grilled vegetables.

What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Grilling?

Russet potatoes are one of the best choices for grilling and baking. They are sturdy, hold up well on the grill, and have fluffy, starchy centers once cooked. They also make a classic baked potato with a crispier skin and soft interior.

Yukon gold potatoes can also work if you prefer a creamier texture, but russets are the classic choice when you want that steakhouse-style baked potato experience at the campsite.

Ingredients for Camping Grill Baked Potatoes

You only need a few basic ingredients to make baked potatoes on a camping grill. Keep the base simple, then let everyone add their favorite toppings once the potatoes are cooked.

• Russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
• Oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, ranch seasoning, or dried herbs
• Aluminum foil, for wrapping

Optional Baked Potato Toppings

The toppings are where grilled baked potatoes get fun. Set out a few choices and let everyone build their own campfire potato.

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Bacon bits
• Chives or green onions
• Chili
• BBQ pulled pork
• Broccoli
• Ranch dressing
• Salsa
• Jalapeños
• Leftover grilled vegetables

How to Bake Potatoes on a Camping Grill

Baking potatoes on a camping grill is simple. Prepare the grill, wash the potatoes, poke holes in them, season them, wrap them in foil, cook them on the grill, check them occasionally, and serve them hot once they are tender.

Step 1: Prepare the Camping Grill

Prepare the grill before everything else. Clean the grate, let it dry, and preheat the grill just like you would preheat an oven. A hot grill helps the potatoes cook more evenly and keeps dinner moving.

Step 2: Wash the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly with water and scrub away any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on helps protect the potato while it cooks and gives you that classic baked potato texture.

If you do not want to bake them whole, you can slice the potatoes into smaller pieces before seasoning and wrapping. Smaller pieces usually cook faster than whole potatoes.

Step 3: Poke Holes in the Potatoes

Use a fork to poke holes in each potato. This helps steam escape as the potatoes cook and gives the seasonings a chance to settle into the potato skin.

Step 4: Add Oil and Seasonings

Rub each potato with a light coating of oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. The oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages a golden, flavorful skin as the potatoes cook.

Step 5: Wrap the Potatoes in Aluminum Foil

Place each seasoned potato on its own sheet of aluminum foil and wrap it tightly. The foil helps the potatoes cook more evenly, protects them from direct flame, and makes them easier to handle on the grill.

Step 6: Put the Potatoes on the Grill

Place the foil-wrapped potatoes on the grill. Cook time can range from about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes, how hot the grill is, and whether the potatoes are whole or cut into smaller pieces.

Turn the potatoes often so they cook evenly and do not burn on one side.

Step 7: Check the Potatoes Occasionally

Check the potatoes occasionally by carefully opening a small section of foil. Be careful of steam when opening the packet.

The best way to tell if a baked potato is done is to pierce it with a fork, skewer, or toothpick. The potato is ready when the fork slides in easily and the center feels tender.

Step 8: Serve While Hot

Remove the wrapped potatoes from the grill. Carefully open the foil, let the steam escape, and serve the potatoes while they are still hot. Add butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, herbs, chili, or your favorite toppings.

How Long Does It Take to Bake Potatoes on a Camping Grill?

Grilled baked potatoes usually take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and the heat of the grill. Smaller potatoes or sliced potatoes cook more quickly, while large whole russet potatoes may need more time.

For the best result, turn the potatoes often and check for doneness with a fork. The potato should feel soft all the way through.

What Temperature Is a Baked Potato Done?

A baked potato is typically done when the internal temperature reaches about 208 degrees F to 211 degrees F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the center of the potato. Carefully poke through the foil and into the middle of the potato.

If you do not have a thermometer, use the fork test. When the fork slides in easily with little resistance, the potato is ready.

How to Make Grilled Potatoes Cook Faster

If you want faster grilled baked potatoes, you can partially cook them before they go on the grill. This is especially helpful if you are feeding a hungry campsite crowd.

Par-Boil the Potatoes

Bring a well-salted pot of cold water to a rolling boil and add the whole potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Drain, dry, season, wrap in foil, and finish them on the grill.

Cut the Potatoes Smaller

Whole potatoes take longer to cook. Cutting them into halves, wedges, or chunks can shorten grill time. Just remember to wrap the pieces well in foil so they steam and roast instead of drying out.

Use Leftover Baked Potatoes

Leftover baked potatoes can become easy camping food. Wrap cooked potatoes in foil and freeze them. Before heading to the campsite, place the frozen potatoes in the cooler where they can help keep other foods cold. When you are ready to eat, heat them on the grill or near the campfire until warmed through.

Camping Meal Ideas with Grilled Baked Potatoes

Grilled baked potatoes are more than a side dish. With the right toppings, they can become a full camping meal. Try one of these easy campsite potato ideas:

• Loaded BBQ Potato: Butter, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheese, and green onions.
• Chili Cheese Potato: Chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.
• Breakfast Potato: Scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and salsa.
• Tex-Mex Potato: Black beans, queso, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Classic Steakhouse Potato: Butter, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper.
• Veggie Potato: Grilled vegetables, cheese, and herbs.

What to Serve with Baked Potatoes on the Grill

These camping grill baked potatoes pair well with simple outdoor meals, BBQ favorites, and easy side dishes. Serve them with:

• Burgers or hot dogs
• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• BBQ ribs
• Pulled pork
• Grilled sausages
• Campfire chili
• Foil packet dinners
• Grilled vegetables
• Beans
• Fresh salads

For more side dish ideas, pair grilled baked potatoes with corn on the cob, Cuban black beans, pineapple mango salsa, or chunky guacamole.

Expert Tips for the Best Camping Grill Baked Potatoes

• Choose similar-sized potatoes. Potatoes that are the same size will cook more evenly.
• Do not skip the holes. Poking the potatoes helps steam escape while they cook.
• Wrap tightly in foil. A snug foil wrap helps protect the potato and keeps the heat moving around it.
• Turn often. Rotate the potatoes so they do not burn on one side.
• Use indirect heat if possible. This helps cook the potatoes through without scorching the outside.
• Check with a fork. The potato should be soft in the center before serving.
• Pack toppings separately. Keep butter, cheese, sour cream, and other toppings chilled until ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Once you know how to bake potatoes on a camping grill, it is easy to change the flavor with different seasonings and toppings.

• Garlic Herb Potatoes: Season with garlic powder, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Ranch Potatoes: Sprinkle with ranch seasoning before wrapping in foil.
• Spicy Potatoes: Add paprika, chili powder, cayenne, or taco seasoning.
• Cheesy Potatoes: Open the foil near the end of cooking and add shredded cheese so it melts over the potato.
• Loaded Campfire Potatoes: Top with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
• BBQ Potatoes: Top with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and shredded cheese.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can I Prep the Potatoes Before Camping?

Yes. Wash and dry the potatoes at home, then pack them in a bag or container. For best texture, wait to oil, season, and wrap them until closer to cooking time.

Can I Freeze Baked Potatoes for Camping?

Yes. If you have leftover baked potatoes from dinner, wrap them in foil and freeze them. Place the frozen baked potatoes in your cooler before heading to the campsite. They can help keep the cooler cold and then be reheated on the grill or near the campfire.

How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Baked Potatoes?

Cool leftover potatoes and store them in an airtight container in a cooler or refrigerator. Use them within a few days and reheat until hot before serving.

How Do I Reheat Baked Potatoes on the Grill?

Wrap the potato in foil and place it back on the grill over medium or indirect heat until warmed through. Turn occasionally so it heats evenly.

Baking Potatoes on a Camping Grill FAQs

Do you have to wrap potatoes in foil for grilling?

You do not always have to wrap potatoes in foil, but foil is helpful for camping because it protects the potato from direct flame, keeps the skin from burning too quickly, and makes the potatoes easier to move around the grill.

Should I peel potatoes before grilling?

You can peel potatoes before grilling, but you do not have to. Leaving the skin on helps the potato hold together and gives it more baked potato texture. Just scrub the potatoes well before cooking.

How do I know when grilled baked potatoes are done?

Grilled baked potatoes are done when a fork, skewer, or toothpick slides easily into the center. You can also check with an instant-read thermometer. A baked potato is usually done around 208 degrees F to 211 degrees F.

Can I cook potatoes directly in campfire coals?

Yes, foil-wrapped potatoes can be cooked in campfire coals, but you need to turn them often and check them carefully so they do not burn. Grill cooking usually gives you a little more control.

Can I slice potatoes before grilling?

Yes. Slicing potatoes into smaller pieces can help them cook faster. Toss the pieces with oil and seasoning, wrap them tightly in foil, and turn the packet occasionally while cooking.

What toppings are best for camping baked potatoes?

Great camping baked potato toppings include butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chili, BBQ pulled pork, salsa, guacamole, ranch, green onions, and leftover grilled vegetables.

Are grilled baked potatoes good for BBQs?

Yes. Grilled baked potatoes are perfect for BBQs and cookouts because they pair well with burgers, steak, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, pulled pork, corn on the cob, beans, and fresh summer sides.

More Camping and Cookout Ideas

If you are planning a camping trip, backyard BBQ, or outdoor family meal, these grilled baked potatoes are an easy place to start. Pair them with your favorite grilled main dish, add a few toppings, and round out the meal with fresh sides like Pineapple Mango Salsa, Corn on the Cob, or Chunky Guacamole.

For more ideas that help complete the meal, visit the full Easy Side Dish Recipes collection.

Final Thoughts

Baking potatoes on a camping grill is simple, filling, and endlessly customizable. With a few potatoes, foil, oil, and seasonings, you can make a reliable camping side dish that works with almost any outdoor meal.

Once you know the basic method, you can experiment with different seasonings, toppings, and fillings until grilled baked potatoes become one of your favorite camping food traditions.

Save this guide for your next camping trip, cookout, backyard BBQ, or easy outdoor dinner.

This recipe was originally published May 28, 2010, and updated May 15, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.